HC Deb 11 May 1931 vol 252 cc788-91
2. Sir GERALD HURST

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will obtain and publish a report upon the picketing methods which have been practised in the chief markets of India since March last in relation to the economic boycott of British cotton goods?

Mr. BENN

The Government of India recently reported that picketing was much reduced, but that there were signs of its revival in some places; that complaints of objectionable methods were decreasing but that they were still receiving a few; and that with occasional and local exceptions the picketing was unaggressive. I shall be happy to give further information as I receive it.

Sir G. HURST

Would it not be a good thing to stop picketing altogether?

Mr. BENN

There is nothing that hinders the operation of the ordinary law in India at the present time.

Sir G. HURST

Then does the right hon. Gentleman know why the ordinary-law in regard to picketing is not put into force?

Mr. BENN

The ordinary law is being put into force.

Mr. BROCKWAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm the reports in to-day's Press regarding the increased peaceful character of the picketing in India?

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Is the same amount of picketing being exercised against Japanese goods?

Mr. BENN

I nnderstand that the movement which is in progress is against all foreign goods.

Captain Sir WILLIAM BRASS

Is it against all foreign goods and not particularly against ours?

Mr. BENN

Oh, yes. I believe the discriminatory element in the campaign has ceased.

7. Mr. DOUGLAS HACKING

asked the Secretary of State for India whether any meeting of the agency company has been held since 18th March; and whether he has any recent information which he can give to the House regarding the operations of this company?

Mr. BENN

I understand that a meeting of the committee appointed to introduce the scheme was held on the 30ti. April. The results of the meeting were reported in the "Times" of the 4th May. I have no reason for doubting the substantial correctnes of the report.

Mr. HACKING

Is it a fact that the Bombay millowners have subscribed to this company more than £26,000?

Mr. BENN

There was a statement in the "Times" which I think was substantially accurate, but whether it went as far as saying that the money had been subscribed, I am not quite sure.

Sir W. BRASS

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries to find out whether that is correct or not?

Mr. BENN

All the information that I can properly be seized of I have put immediately at the service of the House.

11. Sir G. HURST

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which was sent to him, passed on 5th May at a meeting of members of the Manchester Royal Exchange, urging His Majesty's Government to take action in respect of the Indian boycott and the Indian import duties; and what action, if any, His Majesty's Government intend to take on these matters?

17. Sir W. BRASS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which has been sent to him, passed at the protest meeting held on the Manchester Royal Exchange, on 5th May last, in connection with the boycott of Lancashire cotton goods in India; and whether he has consulted with the Government of India as to what steps should be taken to put an end to the picketing which is still taking place, in violation of the agreement recently made by the late Viceroy?

22. Mr. REMER

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has considered the resolution passed on the Royal Exchange, Manchester, on Tuesday, 5th May, a copy of which was sent to him; and if he has communicated this resolution to the Government of India?

25. Colonel BROADBENT

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Gandhi and the Congress party are now working to prevent British cloth from ever again being permitted to enter India, he will take steps to suppress those forms of picketing which violate the terms of the agreement made by the late Viceroy?

Mr. BENN

The resolution in question has already been communicated to the Government of India. As to the import duties, so far as was consistent with the Fiscal Autonomy Convention, action has already been taken. On the question of the boycott, I explained on 4th May that if breaches of the agreement were brought to my notice, they should be immediately investigated.

Sir W. BRASS

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of Question No. 17, where I have asked what steps he proposes to take to put an end to the boycott.

Mr. BENN

The first step is to investigate complaints, and that is what we are doing.

Sir W. BRASS

But, having done that, I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has approached the Government of India to ask them what steps they propose to take to end the boycott?

Mr. BENN

When they have investigated the complaint, if there is reason to suppose that it is well founded, the necessary action will be taken.

Sir W. BRASS

Does the right hon. Gentleman not propose to approach the Government of India?